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Music Education, and Why it Matters by Kilian Duarte
Meet Killian Duarte –
As a former bass instructor, people ask me what relevance music education has in today’s world. Among the group of students I had in the music store I worked at in Florida, those who were opposed to learning theory and advanced techniques usually would begin their argument by elaborating on the state of the modern music industry. “Nobody cares about that stuff, it doesn’t matter anymore” or “If I learn theory my creativity will go away”. And while I can’t really deny that for “popular” music, the proficiency bar has gone down in general. If anyone wants to play an instrument professionally, they need to know how the language of music works. No bandleader will hire a bass player who doesn’t know his fingerboard anymore than any publisher would hire a writer who didn’t know his verbs from his nouns. Advanced knowledge in a field is a sign of professionalism wherever you go in life. It is the standard to which all pros are held, and all it takes is patience and a good work ethic. Music can be the most fun activity that one can partake in as long as they have the patience to actually work on it.
There are many different types of musicians in the professional or even recreational fields, but the ones that complain the most about formal lessons and theory are songwriters. A lot of songwriters many times are afraid of formal lessons because they fear what was simply an emotional expression will be replaced with technical frustration and a loss of a muse. But here’s the reality check that I came across a long time ago while I was teaching bass. A person either has a drive to try and be the best musician they can be, or they are just looking for a fun hobby. If a person has the music in their head, and has the motivation to make it come to life, knowing what a C Maj7 chord is will only help them, and in no way hurt them. While times are tough, and paying for bass lessons may not be a financial priority, if you are serious, try and find a teacher. If you are lucky enough to find a great bass player that is also patient and understanding to what you need to learn, it will be worth every penny. Try and explore as many music publications as you can. Don’t just go to bass magazines; be open to any publication on any instrument or genre that delves into some sort of constructive musical subject matter. As far as lessons go, I highly suggest one hour lessons over half hour lessons. In my experience, you actually have the time to absorb the information and really understand what you are being sent home to practice. Having an educated ear and knowledge of harmony greatly reduces the chance of musically “getting caught with your pants down”, a quite embarrassing scenario that can bruise ones self-confidence while performing or recording.
Nothing of worth ever happens without hard work, and in a society strongly based on instant gratification; patience becomes a very valuable virtue. Thirty years ago, if a site like YouTube existed, and people had the means to access it as they do today, many of today’s virtuosos would probably be breathing a huge sigh of relief as well as jumping for joy for all of the free exposure. Players today have far less excuses as far as being ignorant to musical information.
I am fully aware that I was fortunate to get a scholarship to Berklee, and that I’m even luckier to have had such a great opportunity to advance my knowledge. But even if you do not have these advantages, the Internet is filled with free information to let you know almost anything you desire. Being educated opens the opportunity for you to play with proper technique, read music, know your fingerboard, and develop a great ear…things no musician should be without. It’s all about those moments when you can play your instrument and it’s no longer cerebral, but spiritual and truly a joy. You will then know where all your hard work went.
Keep on playing guys 🙂
Kilian Duarte
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
